Governor Josh Stein has marked the launch of Careers Electric, a new national initiative by the Siemens Foundation that begins in North Carolina. The program aims to expand access to electrical training and create pathways into well-paying electrical careers.
“North Carolina’s strong workforce ecosystem, business-friendly climate, and surging demand for electrification position our state to lead the nation in building the skilled electrical workforce of the future,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As our energy, technology, and manufacturing sectors expand, this partnership opens the door for more North Carolinians to access high-quality training and secure good-paying careers that support families and strengthen our economy.”
David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation, said: “For years we’ve heard about a widening skills gap and growing worker shortages in skilled trades. Careers Electric provides a model to solve this – validating the solution in one state, then working together to scale it nationwide. Careers Electric is about opening doors into high-demand, high-impact electrical careers that offer purpose-driven work, financial security, and a strong foothold in the middle class. Together, we will ensure innovation creates opportunities for workers across America and creates real economic opportunity.”
Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System, added: “North Carolina is creating thousands of high-quality jobs that do not require a four-year degree. Our community colleges are proud to partner with employers and initiatives like Careers Electric to prepare students for these opportunities and to ensure our state has the skilled workforce needed to support continued economic growth.”
The program is supported by a $9.25 million investment led by Siemens Foundation along with partners such as the North Carolina Governor’s Office. It aims to train 25,000 people in North Carolina for jobs in energy and infrastructure over ten years.
Governor Stein also held a roundtable discussion with representatives from Siemens Foundation, Siemens USA, ABB, Caterpillar, Duke Energy, National Association of Manufacturers, NC Chamber of Commerce, NC Electric Cooperatives as well as other officials. He emphasized youth apprenticeships’ value for employers and shared efforts by his administration to double apprenticeship numbers statewide.
Recently Governor Stein announced discretionary funding would be allocated toward NC Career Launch—an effort designed to help businesses develop more youth apprenticeship programs in sectors like electrification. In December last year his Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships released its annual report outlining strategies for expanding job access—including doubling apprenticeships across North Carolina.
The Council’s approach includes employer leadership engagement across stakeholders clear job pathways accountability measures—all aimed at building an effective workforce system serving both jobseekers and employers.
In January Site Selection Magazine ranked North Carolina as 2026 Top State for Workforce Development citing initiatives such as robust apprenticeship programs.
The Office of the Governor of North Carolina serves all residents statewide through enforcing laws directing budgets appointing officials leading the National Guard granting pardons—and chairs the Council of State according to its official website. Josh Stein currently serves as governor since becoming its 76th chief executive.
